Mars as a first step is definitely debatable but the importance and advantages of establishing colonies in space are clear. We can create homes in the solar sy

Mars as a first step is definitely debatable but the importance and advantages of establishing colonies in space are clear. We can create homes in the solar system that are actually superior to life on Earth in the same way our houses are superior to life in the wilderness. We can build them from the ground up to suit not just our needs but our preferences (e.g. no mosquitos). These new homes will displace nothing but dead rock and will be incredible new worlds. Resources in the solar system in terms of materials and energy are far superior to what is found on Earth and once industry is established, the resources can be extracted far more efficiently. We can comfortably house literally trillions of humans in just our solar system using only technology currently available to us. All that is required is the will and the initial investment (which I will admit is considerable). Old Earth can be returned to nature and only those who want live in harmony with it. Who wouldn't want to be a part of that?